Food Shopping & Storing Beverages Home Bar Essentials Checklist A nine-bottle bar should meet all your cocktail needs, giving you the ingredients to make hundreds of recipes. Here's the only liquor you need, along with mixers, gadgets, garnishes, and glasses. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 18, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Michele Gastl Liquor BourbonCointreau or triple sec (some people swear Cointreau is worth the money even if you mix it)GinRum (light)Scotch (blended)Tequila (white)Vermouth (dry)Vermouth (sweet)Vodka Wine RedWhite Beer LightDark Mixers ColaGinger aleClub sodaSparkling waterTonic waterCranberry juiceOrange juiceAngostura bitters Garnishes Green olives (pitted)LemonsLimesKosher saltMaraschino cherries Accessories Long cocktail spoonParing knifePeelerCutting boardCorkscrewBottle openerJuice squeezerStandard shaker: The shaker should have a metal bottom and a metal lid with a strainer.Jigger: Choose one with a 1-ounce measure on one side and 1 1/2 ounces on the other. Most recipes call for 1 1/2 ounces of alcohol (a jigger, or a shot), but some call for 1 ounce (a pony). If you don't have a jigger, 3 tablespoons are about equal to 1 1/2 ounces.Bartending handbook. (Ultimate Bartender's Guide by Ray Foley, inventor of the Fuzzy Navel drink recipe!)Cocktail napkinsCocktail toothpicksSwizzle sticks Glasses Martini glassesHighball glassesAll-purpose wineglasses Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit